Means for controlling elevators.



E. M. HTZGERALD 6L 8. S. HATCH.

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING ELEVATORS.

APPLICATION FILED 02c. 12. l9l4.;

LQILQEQT. Patented Feb. 6,191?

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1- F. M. FITZGERALD ('12 R. S. HATGIL MEANS FOR CONTROLLING ELEVATORS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 12. I914- F. M. FHZGERALD & R. S. HATCH.

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING ELEVATORS.

(W p APPLICATION FILED DEC. 2| 1914. 1L 1%@ iv Patented Feb. 6, 191?,

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3- F. M. FITZGERALD & RPS. HATCH.

MEAHSTOR CONTROLLING ELEVATORS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. I2. L914- Paten'ted Feb. 6, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4 @a ud 5 F. M. FITZGERALD & R. S. HATCH,

MEANS FOR cormoume ELEVATORS.

APPLCATiON FILED DEC. l2. I914. 1,211.4;7. Patentfl Feb. 6, i917.

5 SHEETS-SHET 5- ZYG /7 [71 ZZZ/K7" 515 MF YE ZJ" w 97/: A 7 J (M 7!. 165M. 5% I FRANKIE. FITZGERALD AN'D RALPH S. HATCH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS 01E ONE-THIRD TO FRANK M. HATCH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. I

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING ELEVATORS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 6, rear.

Application filed December 12, 1914. Serial No. 876,919.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be' it known that we, FRANK M. FITZGER- ALD and RALPH S. HATCH, citizens of the United States, and residents 'of Chicago, in

the county ofCook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Im provements in Means for Controlling Elevators, 'of which the following is adescription, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings, which form apart of our specification.

Our invention relates to means more especially intended for the control of elevators, andthe elevator gates; the object of the inventionbeing the provision of means where by operation of the elevator will be alfected through the position of the elevator doors or gates.

The purpose of the invention is to provide means, adapted-to be carried by the elevator cab, arranged to be affected by a certain portion of the means arranged on the elevator gates or doors at the respective landings, so that movement of the elevator in either an upward or downward direction is made impossible while the door or gate is open.

A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby improper opening of any of the gates or doors will be impossible; the gates or doors being locked in closed position until the elevator reaches a predetermined pointrelative to the particular door or gate; the means being of such construction andarrangement, however, that a predetrmined slight initial movement of the gate is permitted whereupon a portion of the means, carried by the elevator and having been brought into proper position, is manipulated, which not only locks or prevents operation ofthe elevator, but also closes an electric circuit whereby certain mechanism is controlled which, in turn, releases the locking mechanism so that the gate may be moved to complete open position; theadvantages of the invention above set forth, as well as others inherent in the construction, being more fully set forthin the following detailed description thereof. a I In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a sectional plan view of a portion of the grilleof an elevator shaft, a gate, and an elevator cab, with a portion of the floor of the elevator being broken away to illustrate the-mechanism adapted to be secured beneath the elevator floor; the section bemg taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 2.

F 1g. 2 is a sectional view taken on the irregular line 22 of Fig. 1, looking in the dlrection of the arrows.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 44 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of thearrows, being a detailed view in side elevatlon of the portion of the means secured to the elevator gate and wall of the shaft.

F 1g. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the application of our invention to an hydraulic elevator.

F ig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line' 66 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing a portion of the mechanism in side elevation.

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the switch position when the gate is open.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 88 of Fig. 1, looking in the directhe switch when the gate is closed.

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 1010 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 11 is a detail view taken on the line 11-11 of Fig. 10, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 12 is a detail longitudinal sectional view of the switch illustrated'in Figs. 7 to 9, inclusive.

Fig. 13 is a similar view of a modified form of switch.

Fig. 1 1 is a detail sectional View taken on the line 14-14 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figs. 15 and 16 are sectional plan and side elevation views, respectively, showing the application of a controller handle lock for electrically operated elevators.

Figs. 17, 18 and 19 are diagrammatic views illustrating, respectively, the electrical connection of the solenoid in the auxiliary circuit of an hydraulic elevator; of the switch and solenoid in the control circuit of an electrically operated elevator; and the electrical connections or wiring when applied to an automatic elevator.

In the exemplification of our invention, we have illustrated the same applied to both an electric elevator and to an hydraulic elevator, although the invention may be equally as well applied to what are known as automatic elevators; and the drawings merely disclose a single door or gate, as at A, which may be of such construction as to entirely close the gate-opening, or constitute one of a double set of gates or doors, as the mechanism and its operation is identical in both situations.

The gate A is shown provided with an arm or bracket 20, shown preferably bolted or secured to one side of the gate adjacent to the lower end thereof, as very clearly illustrated in Fig. 4:; the free end of the bracket being provided with an angular portion 20 adapted to extend slightly in to the shaft and engage with the pivotally mounted rocker member or bell crank lever 21. The member 21 is provided with a notch or groove on the upper and preferably somewhat arcuate surface thereof so as to produce the shoulders 21 and 21 adapted to be engaged by the free end 20 of the bracket 20; the end 20 of the bracket 20 being in engagement with the shoulder 21* when the gate is in closed position, as indicated in Fig. 4, while the shoulder 21 will be engaged by the free end 20 of bracket 20 when the gate is being moved to open position; so that movement of the gate to either open or closed position will rock member 21 and move its depending or long arm in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the gate.

bell-crank lever 21, is pivotally secured to a striker-bar or member 22, which is preferably made of a predetermined length and extends vertically in the shaft. The other end of this member 22 is pivotally secured to a bell-crank lever which latter is preferably pivotallv mounted on an extension or lug of bracket or plate 24. which latter is secured to the wall of the elevator-shaft. In the drawings, this casting 21 also provides the bearing for the member 21 previously referred to. The bell-crank levers 21. and 23, are also connected by a link which in sures positive movement of striker-bar or member 22. and induces said bar to move through the arc of a circle throughout its entire length.

Preferably secured to the underside of the floor of the elevator-cab B is a vertically disposed, rotatably mounted member 26, which is provided with a number of strikers or flexible fingers 27, and 27, which extend in the same direction and at opposite ends of the member 26; finger 28 extending at an angle to fingers 27 and 27 and finger 29 which extends toward the opposite side of member 26; the flexible fingers 27, and 2?, being arranged to extend to one side of rod or member 22, while the flexible finger or striker 28 extends to the opposite side thereof and is preferably arranged in a horizontal plane intermediate of the planes occupied by strikers 27, and 27*; while flexible finger 29 extends between the bifurcations of a substantially U-shape block or portion 30, of a frame or casting 31, see Figs. 3, 7, 10 and 11. The casting, or frame, 31 is pivotally mounted in suitable bearings arranged in the housing 31*, as can more clearly be seen in Fig. 3; and the frame 31, in the construction shown in the first figures of the drawings, carries two switches 32 and 33, see Figs. 1 and 3 while the frame or casting 31, in the construction illustrated in Fig. 5, where our invention is applied to an hydraulic elevator, merely carries a single switch 33 The switch 32 is in circuit with the control circuit of the elevator, namely the circuit whereby the car is operated, so that movement of switch 32 afiects the main or control circuit; while the switch 33 is in circuit with, and therefore affects an auxiliary circuit which is arranged to control a solenoid, indicated at 34:, see Fig. 1. The solenoid 34, when energized, is arranged to pull or draw a plunger 35 toward it. Plunger is pivotally secured by means of link 36 to lever 37, (see Fig. 2) which, in turn, is connected by means of link 38 to block 39 secured to.the elongated and vertically disposed shoe 10. Shoe 40 is pivotally secured to the elevator-cab by means of links 41 and 42, see Fig. 2; buffers -13 being preferably employed to prevent the shoe striking the elevator-cab. The purpose of shoe 10 is to move into contact with the upper end of a latch member 14. which is preferably provided with an anti-friction hearing or roller 4:5, as shown in Fig. 2. The latch-member t-L is pivotally mounted in the upper bifurcated end of bracket or plate 2;, previously referred to and shown more clearly in Fig. Latch-member H has its lower end preferably reduced and bent backward or rather in reverse direction to the upper end, so that the lower end 1-1. will extend into the path of the gate A, and prevent movement thereof beyond the latchmember 41, while the latter is in its normal position indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 1 The bracket or plate 2%. carrying latchanember 1-1, is so mounted on the wall of the shaft as to permit slightinitial movement of the gate in opening, as shown in Fig. :h. The extent of oscillatory movement of latchmember 111 is governed by a slot and pin connection between bracket 24: and member Ill! 44, shown at 46, see Fig. 14. The movement permitted, however, is suflicient to bring the lower end 44 out of the path of the gate A, so-that complete opening thereof is made possible.

The switches 32, and 33, which are shown identical except for their position, are preferably constructed of blocks of insulating material, as shown at 47, Fig. 12, provided with intersecting channels 48, 48, substantially V-shape in cross section, shown in Fig. 12; the outer ends of the channels are preferably made larger in cross-section than the intersecting ends, and are provided with terminals 49 and 50. The terminals 49 and 50 are priferably shown in the nature of screw-plugs provided with inwardly extending points or tapered ends, see Fig. 12; the plugs being so formed as to leave considerable of the enlarged ends of the channels free to receive the mercury which is placed in said channels, The intersecting channels 48 are intended to contain a predetermined quantity of mercury which will not entirely fill the channels, so that when the switch-block is in the position illustrated in Fig. 12, the mercury shown at M, will be separated by means of the wedgeshape insulating wall 47 into separate portions, which will embed the pointed ends and therefore be in contact with the respective screws or terminals 49 and 50. With the mercury thus separated, by the intervening wall of insulating material, the electrical circuit through the switch is broken or open. The quantity of mercury placed in the channels, however, is suflicient to extend about the apex of the intervening wall and partially embed the points of the two terminals 49 and 50, and thereby form an electrical circuit, when the switch-block 47 has been oscillated or rocked on its axis, so as to permit the mercury to flow toward the intersection of the two channels 48. The block 47 is preferably provided with trunnions which are adapted to receive screw-bolts whereby the *block or blocks 47 are removably secured to the frame 31 as shown at 47*, see Fig. 3. 51, and 52, see Fig. 3, are the .lead lines connecting the main control circuit of the elevator with the terminals 49, and 50, of switch 32; while 53, and

54, are the lead lines of the auxiliary circuit which controls the solenoid 34; the lead lines being connected with the terminals of switch 33 which are similar to terminals 49 and 50 in construction; these terminals not being shown in Fig. 3, as switch 33 is arranged at such an angle to switch 32, that the mercury in switch 33 will flow toward the point of intersection of the channels and close switch 33, while the mercury in switch 32 will be broken andbe in the enlarged ends of the'two channels of said switch, so that the switch will be open; the relation of the two switches to each other, preferably being such that switch 32 will have become opened slightly in advance of the closing of switch 33, and vice versa.

The operation of our invention, applied to an electrically operated elevator, as disclosed in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, is as follows: As-

suming that the elevator is moving upwardly; as the elevator approaches the gate to be opened, fingers 27, 27 and 28 will be brought into proper relation with bar 22. namely into the position indicated in Figs. 3, 10 and 11, while finger 29 will be in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 10. With the elevator at a point opposite the gate, fingers 27, 27 will, extend to one side of bar 22, while the finger 28 will extend to the opposite side of the member or bar 22, so that when the operator opens the gate A, the free end or lug 20 of bracket 20 will be made to strike shoulder 21 of bell-crank lever 'or member 21, and cause the latter to rock on its pivot and thereby induce rod 22 to be moved in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the gate, namely into the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 10. This movement of rod 22, will bring it into contact-with the flexible engaging member or finger 28, thereby rotating member 26 about its vertical axis, which, in turn, will cause finger 29, (which extends between the bifurcations or ends of the U-shaped portion 30. of the bracket 31), to oscillate or rock frame or bracket 31, and with it the switches 32 and 33; so that the finger 28 will be in the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 10, while finger 29 will be moved into the position also indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 10.

The switches 32, and 33, are so mounted in the frame or bracket 31, that the movement just referred to, of member 26, and

with it finger 29, will cause switch 32 to be so moved that the mercury in channels 48 become separated by the V-shape portion 47, see Fig. 12, so as to break the electrical connection within switch 32, thereby opening the main elevator control circuit; while switch 33 will be moved so that the column of mercury therein will be induced to How toward the intersection of the channels and form electrical contact between the terminals of switch 33, and thereby close the auxiliary circuit, which controls solenoid 34.

In practice, it has been found advisable to so' mount switches 32, and 33, that the angular relation between the two switches previously referred to is such that the circuit controlled by switch 32 will be broken a predetermined number of degrees in ad- Vance of the closing of the auxiliary circuit controlled by switch 33, thus insuring the main elevator control circuit always being open before the auxiliary circuit, which affects the gate-releasing mechanism. is closed; while in the closing operation of the gate the converse is true. By reason of this arrangement, the main control circuit of the elevator will have been affected before the operator can open the gate A; and the 5 auxiliary vor gate-controlling circuit will have been affected or open before the main elevator control circuit is closed. It is apparent from the description just given that the arrangement of switches 32, and 33, is such, that the elevator gate remains locked against proper opening until the main circuit of the elevator has been broken and the auxiliary circuit closed, and that the elevator gate must be closed and locked-to afi'ect or open the auxiliary circuit and close the main circuit; the breaking or opening of the auxiliary circuit being brought about slightly in advance of the closing of the main elevator circuit through switch 32.

Thezinvention has thus far been described in its application to an electrically operated elevator, as disclosed in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

The general construction and operation of the invention, when applied to an hydraulic elevator, as disclosed in Figs. 5 and '6, is substantially the same, except that with an hydraulic elevator the switch 32 is omitted because it has to do with the control of the main control circuit of an electrically operated elevator. The construction and operation, however, of switch 33, is the same as switch 33, because it controls an auxiliary electrical circuit whereby the solenoid 34*, see Figs. 5 and 6, is controlled. The solenoid 34, like solenoid 34c, controls a plunger 35 connected by means of a link 36 to one end or arm of lever 37*, the other end or arm whereof is connected with the shoe or memberACO by means of link 38.

40 In the application of our invention to this type of elevator, it is thought desirable to lock the operating shaft 55, which is rotatably mounted beneath the floor of the elevator in the usual manner, as shown in Figs.

5 and 6; the shaft being controlled or rocked by means of the usual operating lever located in the elevator cab, indicated at 56 in Fig. 5. The shaft 55 is provided with a lock-block or casting 56, which is preferably 50 made in two parts as shown so as to permit the block to be bolted or properly secured thereto as illustrated in Fig. 6. Block 56 is shown provided with a groove or socket 56", adapted to receive a tooth or lug 57,

5 formed on the free end of a lever 58. This lever 58 is pivotally secured at 59 to the bracket 60 which is secured to the bottom of the elevator. The extent of movement of lever 58 may .be controlled by the slotand 0 pin connection between lever 58 and bracket noid 34:, has been closed through the initial the clutch member or block 56, thus look-- ing shaft 55, and preventing its operation. By reason of thisconstruction it is evident that operating shaft -55 cannotbe oscillated to throw on the power, whereby the elevator is manipulated, before-the elevator gate has been closed, which will cause rod 22 to be moved into a difl'erent vertical plane from that occupied when the gate is open. This movement of rod 22 will engage fingers 27, and 27, and move member 26, on its vertically disposed axis, so that finger or striker 29 will cause the frame-member or bracket 31, to be oscillated, and with it switch 33". This movement of switch 33 back to normal position, will cause the-electrical auxiliary circuit to be broken, and thereby cause the solenoid 34; to release plunger 35, and permit the latter tomove outwardly into the normal position shown in Fig. 6. This movement of plunger 35 permits lever 37 to move in a direction which'will cause link or connection 62 to move lever 58, so as to bring the lug or portion 57 out of engagement with the groove or slot 56 of clutchblock 56, thereby releasing operatingshaft 55.

The lever 58 is so constructed and mounted that the upper end of the lever, carrying the lug, or portion, 57, will, through the action of gravity, drop out of engagement with the groove or slot 56 when the auxiliary circuit controlling the solenoid has been opened. This movement of lever 58 will also be assisted by the dropping of shoe 40* downwardly into normal position, as shown in Fig. 6. This "movement of lever 58 will, in

turn, exert a pull on rod 62, lever 37 and link 36, thereby drawing plunger 35 of the solenoid outwardly into the normal position disclosed in Fig. 6. The notch or slot 56", in the clutch block 56, is shown larger than the size of the lug or portion 57 for the purpose of permitting the operator to slightly move the car in order to compensate for any leakage or creeping common with the hydraulic t e of elevator. It is evident, however, rom the construction shown and described, that it is impossible for the solenoid 34: to release the gate-lock without, at the same time, looking the controller or operating shaft, because if the operating shaft 55 is not in proper shut-off position, then the proper operation of the solenoid will be blocked through the inability of lug or projection 57 to enter the groove or slot 56*, whereby lever 58 is permitted to have a degree of movement necessary to bring shoe 40 outward sufliciently to strike the gatelatch or lock 44. The clutch-block 56 may be held against movement longitudinally of shaft 55 by the bracket 60 as, for example, illustrated in Fig. 6.

In Figs. 15 and 16, we illustrate a method of applying a lock to the controller-handle of an electrically operated elevator; the method of operation whereof is substantially similar to the operation of the lock mechanism applied to an hydraulic elevator, as disclosed in'Figs. 5 and 6. As in the construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the lever, to which the plunger 35 is connected, is provided with the connecting link, or rod, 62 having its other end connected to a link 63* located to the rear of link 63 (in Fig. 16) which is keyed to shaft 64, the latter having suitable hearings in brackets 65 secured to the underside of the elevator. Pivotally secured to link 63 is a vertically disposed rod 66 which is adapted to extend into a groove or slot 67 of block or member 68 secured to shaft 69 which is operated by the controllerhandle 70 and shown in dotted lines in Fig. 16. The block or member 68, like block 56 in Fig. 6, may be made in two parts as illustrated and clamped together so as to firmly engage the shaft 69 to rotate therewith; and the upper end of shaft or rod 66 may be held in proper verticalposition by means of the slot and pin connection, indicated at '71 in Fig. 16. The opposite end of shaft 61, as previously stated, is provided with a link 63 located to the rear of link 63, in Fig. 16,

and is pivotally connected to the connecting rod 62, which latter is operated through the action of the solenoid on the plunger 35. It is evident from the construction shown and described that when the gate is being opened, the striker-rod 22 will engage finger 28, rotate member 26 and with it finger 29. Movement of finger 29, as stated, will rock the frame or bracket 31 carrying the switches which control both the main control circuit and the auxiliary circuit,- so that the former will be opened while the latter will be closed. Closing of the auxiliary circuit energizes the solenoid so that it will exert a pull on the plunger, thereby oscillating lever 37, which, in turn, will exert a pull on rod 62 and push link 38 outwardly; this will cause shoe 40 to strike the gatelatch 44 and release the gate, at the same .time rocking shaft 64.- in a direction which will cause rod or plunger 66 to move upwardly into the groove or slot 67 of the block keyed to controller-shaft 69, thereby locking the controller-shaft and its handle 70 against operation. Like the construction shown in Fig. 6, if the operator has not brought the controller-shaft to neutral or open position, it is evident that operation of the locking mechanism 66 will be prevented; and the improper movement of shaft 66 will prevent the complete movement of the solenoid plunger, which, in turn, will prevent the shoe 10 being moved outwardly a sufficient distance to engage the gate-latch or locking mechanism, so that the operator will be prevented from opening the gate until the controller-shaft has been moved into proper neutral position.

In Figs. 17, 18 and 19, We diagrammatically illustrate a method of wirin or, in other words, a method of forming e ectrical connections which may be employed in connection with hydraulic, electric, and what are known as automatic elevators.

In Fig. 17 a method of forming the electrical connection of the solenoid in auxiliary electrical circuits is shown as may he applied to an hydraulically operated elevator; the switch for controlling this electrical circuit being illustrated at 72, with the respective lines of the circuit being indicated at 73 and 7%; the illustration showing the switch in open position.

In Fig. 18 we illustrate a method of forming the electrical connection of the switch and solenoid in a main or control circuit for an electrically operated elevator; the main or control switch being indicated at 7 5 and the auxiliary switch being indicated at 72; the latter switch being shown open while the main or control switch is closed. The circuit shown in dotted lines in this figure indicates a methodrwhich. maybe employed to cut outthe action of safety switch in the control circuit. The switch shown in dotted lines at 76 in this circuit may be placed in the elevator-cab where it can be operated by the operator, but is preferably placed on a control-board or at a point where it may be under the control of the elevator starter. Vhen this switch is placed in the elevator'cab, it is preferably made in the form of a push-button so as to remain closed only while the operator keeps his finger pressed on the button.

In Fig. 19 we illustrate a method of'wiring that may be employed in connection with the invention when the same is applied to the automatic type of elevator. In this connection an auxiliary relay is required, as indicated at 77, in the nature of a compound relay, with the series winding 77 only of sufficient strength to hold the relay up in the position shown in the figure when the latter is in said position, while the-shuntwinding '77 is of such strength as to be able to raise the relay plunger when the same has been dropped; the relay switch, which is located in the main control circuit of the elevator. being indicated at 78 in closed position; the switch controlling the main 72 in open position, while the main or call of a party on a floor above or below. In connection with the application of our invention to this automatic type of eleva-' tor, we will assume certain conditions in order to more thoroughly understand the application and operation of our improved means as applied thereto. Suppose a party attempts to open a gate as the car passes the landing, and exerts a pull on the gate at the right instant, he would thereby operate the safety switch 75 in the main control circuit, which would cause themain solenoid switch 72 to be closed; but since the auxiliary relay switch 80 is held in the position shown by the series coil 77 (this circuit not being opened until the car stops at the landing to which it was called), the auxiliary solenoid switch 80 will be open,- so that the solenoid will not act, and therefore the gateholding member orLlock will not allow the gate to be opened.- When the car reaches the landing to which it was called. the switch 79 in the main control circuit will open by means of the car when the latter reaches the proper landing; this will cause the auxiliary relay 77 to drop and completely close the solenoid circuit which will allow the gate to be opened. Pushing a button on the car, which would ordinarily close the centrol circuit, will, however, not allow the car to start,

as the gate must first be closed, which action opens the main solenoid switch 72", closes the safety switch 75 controlling the main control circuit, and allows the auxiliary relay 77 to pick up because of its shunt-winding 7 7 At this time, pushing of a control button on the car will allow the car to travel to the floor desired.

We have shown and described what we believe to be the simplest and best forms of our invention and its adaptation to the various types of elevators, but it will be under stood that modifications in the construction and application may be made without departing from the spirit of our invention.

For example, in Fig. 13, we illustrate a modified form of mercury switch comprising the switch-block 47, similar in construction to that disclosed in Fig. 12, and provided with the intersecting channels 48. In this construction, however, the terminals 49 and 50 are shown in the nature of hollow screw-plugs extending substantially throughout the enlarged ends of the channels,so that the mercury, when operated, will enter the hollow ends of the plugs, when the switch is in open position, and will fill the intersecting ends of the channel 48 and be in contact with the inner ends of the screw-plug terminals 49 and .50 when the switch is tilted to closed posit-ion.

Ve have described our invention as more especially intended for use in connection withelevators; it is apparent, however, that the invention is equally applicable for use in connection with any power-driven or operated car or vehicle where it may be desirable to control the opening of thedoors or gates by the proper positioning of the car or vehicle, and where, in some instances, it

against complete opening thereof, means adapted to be affected by the initial movement ofthe elevator gate, said meanscomprising a striker portion arranged to move into different vertical planes intermediate of the gate and the cab, oscillating means carried by the elevator-cab and adapted to be operated by said striker portion of the first mentioned means when the elevator-cal reaches a predetermined point in proximity to the. elevator-gate, pivoted means carried by the elevator-cab and adapted to control said member, and electrically controlled means adapted to be affected by said second mentioned oscillating means, whereby the pivoted means on the cab is forced into contact with said member and the latter moved out of locking position.

2. Means for controlling elevators, comprising, in combination with an elevatorgate and a cab having controlling means, a horizontally oscillating latch member whereby thegate is normally held against complete opening, an elongated striker member pivotally mounted along the path of the gate and adapted to be moved through the arc of a vertically disposed circle in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the gate, a member pivotally mounted on the cab at a point adapted to register with the latch member and arranged to be swung toward said latch member, and electrically controlled means carried by the cab adapted to be affected by said striker member when the cab is brought to a predetermined point whereby an electric circuit is induced and the member pivotally mounted on the cab forced against the latch member causing the latter to move out of latching position.

3. In combination with the controlling means of an elevator, 'a gate-locking member, means adapted to be affected by movement of the gate before the latter reaches said locking-member, a portion of said means being adapted to swing through a vertically disposed arc in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the gate,

and also into engagement with the gatelocking member whereby the latter is moved out of locking position.

4. In combination with the controllingmeans of an elevator, a gate-locking member, pivotally mounted means adapted to be affected by movement of the gate before the latter reaches said locking member, said means comprising a striker portion arranged to swing into different vertical positions, electrically operated means adapted to control said locking member and said elevator-controlling means, and tiltably mounted switch mechanism arranged to control the circuit of said electrically operated means, said switch mechanism being adapted to'be tilted by movement of the striker portion of said pivotally mounted means whereby the electric circuit is closed and the electrically operated means forced into locking engagement with the elevator controlling means and also into engagement with the gate-locking member whereby the latter is moved out of locking position.

5. Means of the class described, comprising,:-in combination with an elevator-gate and an elevator-cab having controlling means, a gate-locking member, one and whereof is disposed in the path of the gate and arranged to permit slight movement of the gate, while the other end is disposed toward the elevator-cab, means tiltably mounted in the elevator-shaft intermediate of the gate and the cab, a portion whereof is arranged to be moved into different vertical planes by movement of the gate before the latter reaches said locking-member, electrically operated means mounted on the elevator cab for controlling the gate-locking member and the controlling means of the elevator, and switch mechanism piw'otally mounted on the elevator-cab arranged to control the circuitof said electrically operated means, said switch mechanism being adapted to be controlled by said tiltably mounted means whereby the electric circuit is closed and the electrically operated means forced into locking engagement with the controlling means on the elevator-cab and also into engagement with the gate-locking member so as to force the latter outof looking position.

6. Means of the class described, comprising, in combination with an elevator-gate and an elevator-cab having controlling means, a gate-locking member arranged to permit slight movement of the elevator-gate, means, comprising a striker portion arranged to move into different planes adapted to be affected by the initial movement ofthe gate, a solenoid mounted on the elevatorcab and arranged in an electrical circuit, pivoted means carried by the cab and adapted to be forced outward into engagement with the gate-locking member by the solenoid, and switch mechanism carried by the elevator-cab and arranged to be controlled by movement of the striker portion of said second mentioned means whereby the electric circuit of the solenoid will be closed during the initial movement of the gate and the means carried by the cab forcedinto engagement with the gate-locking member. 7. In combination with the main control circuit of. an elevator cab, its operating member and the elevator-gate, a member whereby the elevator-gate is normally held against complete opening thereof, means adapted to be actuated by movement of the gate, electrically controlled means carried by the elevator-cab and adapted to move said member out of normal or locking position when the elevator-cab is brought to a predetermined point, a pair of switches, one of which controls the main control circuit of the elevator while the other controls the electric circuit of said electrically controlled means, said switches being arranged to move in unison so that one switch will be in open position in advance of the other reaching closed position, and means arranged to operate said switches when the first-mentioned means have been actuated by movement of the gate.

8. In combination with the main control circuit of an elevator cab, its operating member and the elevator-gate, a member whereby the elevator-gate is normally held against complete opening thereof, means adapted to be actuated by movement of the gate, electrically controlled means carried by the elevator-cab and adapted to move said member out of normal or locking position when the elevator-cab is brought to a predetermined point, a pair of switches, one of which controls the main control circuit of the elevator while the other controls the electric circuit of said electrically controlled means, said switches being arranged to move in unison so that one switch will be in open position in advance of the other reaching closed position, and mechanism intermediate of said electrically controlled means and the controlling means of the elevator whereby said controlling means is locked against operation when said means have been actuated.

9. Means for controlling elevators, comprising, in combination with an elevatorgate and an elevator-cab having controlling means, a horizontally movable member arranged in the path of the elevator-gate whereby the latter is normally held against complete opening thereof, means oscillatinglymounted adjacent the path of the elevator-gate and provided with a striker portion arranged to move into different vertical planes when the means are oscillated by movement of the gate before the latter reaches said member, an electrically controlled shoe carried by the elevator-cab and adapted to be forced away from the cab into striking engagement with said member and thereby force said member out of the path of the elevator-gate, means carried by the cab, arranged to be moved by the striker portion of said oscillatingly mounted means, adapted to control the electric circuit of the electrically controlled shoe so as to move the latter into engagement with the gatelocking member and force the latter out of looking position.

10. Means for controlling elevators, comprising, in combination with an elevatorgate and an elevator-cab provided with controlling means, a member whereby the elevator-gate is normally held against complete opening thereof, oscillatingly mounted means adapted to be affected by the elevator-gate before the latter reaches said member, said means comprising a striker portion arranged to move into diflerent vertical planes and in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the gate, a vertically disposed shoe pivotally mounted on the elevator-cab and adapted to be moved into operative engagement with the gateholding member, electrical mechanism having controlling engagement with said shoe, and adapted to force the latter outward into engagement with said gate-holding member and tiltably mounted switch mechanism carried by the elevator-cab and arranged to be operated by the striker portion of said oscillatingly mounted means whereby the electric circuit of the electrical mechanism is controlled.

11. Means for controlling elevators, comprising, in combination with an elevatorgate and an elevator-cab provided with controlling means, a member for locking the gate against complete opening, but allowing slight movement thereof, means oscillatingly mounted along the path of the elevator-gate and adapted to be affected by movement of the gate in advance of the locking member, a portion of said means constituting a striker adapted to be moved into different vertical planes and in directions opposite to the directions of movement of the gate, pivotally mounted means carried by the elevator-cab adapted to be movedinto operative engagement with the gate-locking member, means carried by the cab and adapted to be moved into locking engagement with the controlling means of the cab, a solenoid arranged in an electrical circuit and carried by the cab, means intermediate of the solenoid and both of said last-mentioned means on the cab whereby action of the solenoid will simultaneously move the pivotally mounted means into engagement with the gate-locking member and the second-mentioned means on the cab into locking engagement with the controlling means of the cab, and switch mechanism carried by the cab and adapted to be affected by movement of the striker portion of the means oscillatingly mounted along the path of the elevator-cab.

12. Means of the class described, comprising in combination with an elevatorgate and an elevator-cab having controllin means a pair of oscillatingly mounte switches arranged on the elevator-cab, said switches being so arranged that the one will be in closed position while the other is in open position, one of said switches being arranged to affect the main control circuit of the elevator while the other isarranged to affect an auxiliary circuit, means having controlling relation with said switches whereby the latter may be moved to open and closed position, respectively, means secured to the elevator-cab and arranged to be actuated when said auxiliary circuit is closed, a member arranged in the path of the gate, adapted to normally hold the gate against complete opening thereof and arranged to be moved out of the path of the gate by the means secured to the elevator cab, and means arranged adjacent the path of the elevator-gate so as to be actuated thereby, said means being arranged to actuate the switch-controlling means.

13. Means of the class described, comprising, in combination with an elevator-gate and an. elevator-cab having controlling means, a pair of switches mounted on the elevator-cab and arranged to operate alternatively, said switches being arranged to affect the main control circuit of the elevator and an auxiliary circuit, respectively, so that the one circuit will be closed when the other is opened, a member arranged along the path of the elevator-gate and normally adapted to hold the gate against complete opening thereof, means arranged tobe actuated by movement of the gate whereby said switches are controlled, and means secured to the elevator-cab and adapted to be actuated when said auxiliary circuit is closed whereby said member is forced out of holding position.

14. Means for controlling elevators, comprising, in combination with an elevatorgate and an elevator-cab having controlling means, a locking-member arranged along the path ofthe elevator-gate for holding the latter against complete opening, means oscillatingly mounted adjacent the path of the elevator-gate and arranged to be oscillated thereby in advance of the action of the locking-member, said means comprising a striker portion arranged to move in directions opposite to the directions of movement of the gate, and an electrically controlled member carried by the elevator-cab, means pivotally mounted on the elevator-cab and adapted to be moved away from the cab. and

into controlling engagement with the gatelocking member, said means being arranged to be controlled by said electrically operated member, and switch mechanism mounted on the elevator-cab and adapted to be controlled by the striker portion of said oscillatingly mounted means whereby the circuit of the electrically operated member is controlled.

15. Means for controlling elevators, comprising, in combination with an elevatorgate and an elevator-cab provided with a controller, a gravity actuated locking-member arranged in the path of the elevatorgate for normally holding the latter against complete opening, oscillatingly mounted means arranged along the path of the elevator-gate and adapted to be oscillated thereby in advance of the action of the gravity actuated member, a pivotally mounted shoe arranged on the elevator-cab and adapted to be forced into engagement with the gravity-mounted member, a solenoid arranged in an electric circuit on the elevatorcab and in operative engagement with said shoe, and circuit-controlling means arranged on the elevator-cab and adapted to be operated by said oscillatingly mounted means whereby the circuit of the solenoid is controlled.

16. In combination with the main-control circuit of an elevator, an elevator-cab, its operating member and the elevator-gate, a member whereby the elevator-gate 1s normally held against complete opening, OSClllatingly mounted means arranged along the path of the gate and adapted to be actuated thereby in advance of the gate-holding member, electrically mounted means carried by the elevator-cab and adapted to force the gate-holding member out of locking position when the cab is brought to a predetermined point, a pair of electric switches, one of which controls the main control circuit of the elevator while the other controls means. and mechanism adapted to be operated by-said oscillatingly mounted means whereby said pair of switches are operated so that one switch will be in open position while the other is in closed position, whereby the main control circuit will be broken while the circuit of said electrically controlled means will be closed.

17. In combination with the main control circuit of an elevator, an elevator-cab, its operating member and the elevator-gate, a member whereby the gate is normally locked against complete opening but slight movement of the gate permitted, oscillatingly mounted means arranged along the path of the gate and adapted to be actuated thereby in advance of the action of the gate-locking member, a pivotally mounted shoe arranged on the elevator-cab and adapted to be moved into engagement with the gate-locking member, electrically controlled means carried by the cab and arranged to control said shoe, a pair of switches, one of which controls the main control circuit of the elevator while the other controls the auxiliary circuit of said electrically controlled means, and mechanism mounted on the elevator-cab and arranged to be actuated by said oscillatingly mounted means whereby both switches will be operated and the main control circuit opened while the auxiliary circuit is closed.

18. In combination with an electrically operated car, a door or gate locking-member, electrically operated means for controlling said locking-member, and switch mechanism arranged to affect the main operating circuit of the car and the circuit of said electrically operated means. said mechanism being adapted to be actuated through predetermined movement of the door or gate.

19. In combination with an electrically operated car. a door or gate locking-member, electrically operated means arranged to control said locking-member, pivotally mounted switch mechanism arranged to control the main operating circuit of the car and the circuit of said electrically operated means, and means adapted to operate said switch mechanism when the door or gate is moved whereby one of the circuits is closed while the other circuit is opened.

20. In combination with the main operating circuit of a car, door or gate lockingmeans, electrically operated means adapted 'to control the locking-means, and switch mechanism arranged to control said main operating circuit and the circuit of said electrically operated means, said switch mechanism being arranged to be actuated through movement of the gate or door, whereby the main operating circuit is opened in advance of the closing of the circuit of the electrically operated means.

21. In combination with the main con trol circuit of an elevator, an elevator-cab provided with an operating lever, and an elevator gate, a lockin member whereby the gate is normally loclied against complete opening, but slight movement of the gate permitted, oscillatingly mounted means arranged along the path of the gate and adapted to be actuated thereby in advance of the action of the locking member, a pivotally mounted member carried by the elevator-cab and adapted to control said locking member, electrically controlled means carried by the cab and having operative engagement with said pivotally mounted member, a pair of switches for controlling the main control circuit of the elevator and the auxiliary circuit of said electrically controlled means, said swithes being arranged so that one will open the main control circuit in advance of the closing of the auxiliary circuit, pivotally mounted mechanism carried by the elevator-cab adapted to be affected by the oscillatingly mounted means whereby said switches are operated, and mechanism intermediate of said electrically controlled means and the operating lever of the cab whereby said lever is locked against operation when the auxiliary circuit of said electrically controlled means is closed.

FRANK M. FITZGERALD. RALPH S. HATCH. Witnesses GEORGE HEIDMAN, F. A. FLOREILL. 

